Van De Beek’s Agent Fears Ronaldo’s Arrival Is Bad News For Dutchman

Ronaldo has secured a return to Old Trafford, 12 years after moving to Real Madrid, via Juventus.

Van de Beek has been restricted to a bit-part role since joining the Red Devils from Ajax Amsterdam in the summer of 2020. The Dutchman only played 19 times in the Premier League last season with a further 17 appearances in Europe and Cup competitions.

The 24-year-old was assured of playing time this season and saw a move to Everton called off this summer before United secured Ronaldo’s signature in the final days of the transfer window.

Now Albers believes the arrival of the five-time Ballon d’or winner could push Van de Beek, who has remained on the bench in all three of United’s Premier League games this season, further down the pecking order.

"Cristiano arrived on Friday which we knew was bad news for us. Pogba plays on the left, and with Cristiano's arrival it means another extra player in midfield, with Pogba moving away from the left," Albers told Ziggo Sport.

"We had conversations with Solskjaer and the board. We took the initiative to find a club and our search ended up at Everton. We opened talks with Marcel Brands and Farhad Moshiri.

"On Monday night [before deadline day] we received a call from Solskjaer and the club who told us that a transfer was out of question and that he had to report himself to training the next morning."

Albers added: "The perspective now is that we stated that Donny is not a Carabao Cup player, or FA Cup player, or to play only in European games. Donny went to England to play in the Premier League.

"The way the conversation went this time [with Solskjaer] compared to last summer... things are much more clear now. I have full expectations that Donny will get his chance now.

"Donny worked extremely hard in the summer. He only had seven days off. The rest of the summer he trained to become top fit. He is totally ready."